The highly anticipated seventh edition of the Lagos Leather Fair kicked off in grand style, setting the tone for an exciting and insightful two-day experience. Starting out on Saturday, June 29, at The Balmoral, Federal Palace, Victoria Island. The first day was a perfect blend of creativity, innovation, and connection among leather and fashion enthusiasts. LLF 2024 edition was packed with elegant designs that set a strong tone for the future of the African leather industry. High points of the event featured a VIP cocktail with leading creative minds and thought leaders such as Waridi Wardah, Ugo Monye, Femi Olayebi, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honourable Commissioner of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and others, as well as a stunning runway showcase from leading brands like Femi Handbags, HankerandReech, Nene Yaya Sarl, Mhose, Blarkmate, and Aaboux.
LLF 2024 – Day One
Prior to the artful display, the day began with an informative workshop titled From Inspiration to Execution: Leveraging the Power of AI from Design to Production, Marketing, and Customer Engagement. The session was moderated by Dara Olayebi, who shared insights from industry leaders Scott Eneje and Malik Afegbua on how AI can revolutionise every business journey. This session was a significant opportunity for leather designers and entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights and practical tools to improve their craft and scale their businesses.
Following the workshop, the first conversation of the day delved into the intricacies of the leather supply chain. Industry leaders addressed the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain, emphasising the need for efficiency and sustainability within sourcing, manufacturing, and market access solutions. The second conversation of the day was held between Waridi Wardah and Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO and Founder of SKOT Communications, who focused on brand positioning and visibility. This session was particularly beneficial for emerging designers looking to make a mark in the leather industry. The insights provided were invaluable, offering practical advice on how to stand out in a crowded marketplace despite economic variables.
Day 2
Picking up from the first day of The Lagos Leather Fair 2024 on June 29, the fair’s second day continued sparking creativity amongst leather designers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts in attendance. The day featured a variety of impactful sessions and activities for business-minded individuals looking to build and expand their creative enterprises.
Starting off with a workshop titled “Photography as a Branding Tool: Optimising Visual Storytelling and Brand Communication,” LLF 2024 attendees learnt from visionary photographer Kola Oshalusi on ways to craft engaging visual elements that resonate with their audience. The session gave tangible insights on how creatives can leverage photography as a storytelling tool that connects their brands to people.
LLF 2024 immersed its audience in both the creative and business sides of the leather and creative industries with a following session that engaged attendees on how to manage finances and maintain profitable and sustainable business frameworks. Subject-matter experts Omobowale Biobaku, Arthur Nkemeh, Taba Peterside, and Sinmi Olayebi drove the conversation titled “From Passion to Profit: Taking Charge of Your Finances for Sustainable Business Growth,” providing valuable strategies on making informed financial decisions across one’s entrepreneurial journey.
The event also featured a Pitch-A-Leather-Biz session where budding leather entrepreneurs got to pitch their businesses to investors for a shot at up to one million naira in equity-free investment. The session was charged with promise and excitement for the future of leather designs and the emerging businesses that will drive its growth. The winning pitches were from Justin Ugogadi (Avankra), Abisola Opeyemi (Royal Bags), and Biodun Ariori (The Shoe Blocc).
Bringing the two-day event to a climax were the prestigious LLF Awards, which recognised and celebrated the efforts of leather designers and creatives in the industry across the categories: Trailblazer Award, Most Innovative Designer, Brand Excellence, Best Booth Design, Best Curated Instagram, and Best New Brand. Respective winners of the awards were Obi Leather, Gbenga Artsmith, Aaboux, Morin.o, Solely Eko, and Lareeyn, whose award for Best New Brand was presented by the Special Advisor to the President on Creative and Digital Economy, Mr. Fegho John Umunubo.
The celebration ended with raffle draws and giveaways from some of LLF’s sponsors, Remita, Wema Bank, and Ananse.com. ALAT by Wema Bank’s ‘Spin the Wheel’ Contest awarded winners with special prizes, including a N100,000 cash prize and digital devices. . Similarly, in a raffle draw presented by Ananse.com, a lucky attendee, Adedoyin Adefolabi, won one million naira. Stay up to date on the latest in fashion, arts, beauty, and lifestyle by following FAB L’Style Magazine.
With a constant flow of leather enthusiasts and shoppers moving between exhibitors and learning the craft of the leather industry, LLF 2024’s second and last day offered a wholesome, tailored experience for everyone.
LLF began as an initiative from Femi Olayebi (Femi Handbags) and has now become a staple event to look out for within the leather ecosystem. A common sentiment is that every year has been a unique and worthwhile experience that leaves you filled yet ready for more. We look forward to what 2025 brings for leather.
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